Marisa DeCollibus Professor Fogleman 18 September, 2013
Freedom to Roam
I have always had two people in my life who believe in me. It is empowering to know that even if I fail at something, my Mom and Dad will still be cheering me on into my next great success. When I make mistakes, they teach me to treat the moment as a learning experience because it will shape me into a better version of myself. My parents have always looked at me with eyes glittering with joyous wishes and prideful anticipation.Without them I would not believe in myself, which has been the key to my academic success.
In school I have always pushed myself to do above average work because I have never had reason to believe I’m not capable of it. The idea of “reaching for the stars” was instilled in me by my parents. Of course as I’ve gotten older, my expectations for myself have had to adjust because being particularly gifted in everything is unrealistic. In cases where I’d be roaring over math homework, or grumping around the house because of a science report, my parents would just remind me that there are some things that need getting done. My parents are sensible people, and understand they have by no means raised a saint. What they do highlight for me is what I am naturally skilled at, which has given me my own understanding of success.
Besides never giving me a reason not to believe in myself, my parents created an environment at home that made learning easy. In the kitchen there is a warn country style table that is hit with the afternoon light in the most welcoming of ways. It is the perfect homework spot. There my parents provided me with answers to silly spelling questions and acted as a back board for crazy brainstorming blitzes. The essentials for wanting to study were always at home. Whether it was a snack to keep my mind sharp, or the anticipation of an incredible home cooked meal waiting for me after I finished my math problems, my parents have let me live easy. With nothing holding me back from getting my work done at home, good grades were more easily accomplished.
My parents also let me choose what to spend my time on. It was never a demand to “play soccer” or “pick up piano”, instead all of my extracurricular activities were a result of my own interests. By allowing me to choose where to spend my time, my parents taught me how to be engaged in what I do. This enthusiasm translated to what I was asked to do in the classroom. Along with passion, they taught me to speak my mind and advocate for myself. If I wanted something I would have to ask for it and make the case of why it would be good for me. This skill applied to advocating for myself in school. If I was having difficulty in a subject I would be the one e-mailing my teacher, not my parents. Instead of my parents calling my guidance councilor to make sure my courses were well balanced, I made the initiative to set a meeting up in school. My mother always says "never do for a child what they can do for themselves" and because of this, I have been given an independence that is both conscience and confident.
I have been successful in school because of my upbringing. I'm sure I was born with competence, but without my parents I would not have learned to believe in my own ability. Achievement in school takes resources, time and most importantly an understanding of what you are working towards. My parents showed me the door to all things possible, handed me a knapsack filled with tools, and let me discover what was waiting for me through the thresh hold all on my own.
Professor Fogleman
18 September, 2013
Freedom to Roam
I have always had two people in my life who believe in me. It is empowering to know that even if I fail at something, my Mom and Dad will still be cheering me on into my next great success. When I make mistakes, they teach me to treat the moment as a learning experience because it will shape me into a better version of myself. My parents have always looked at me with eyes glittering with joyous wishes and prideful anticipation. Without them I would not believe in myself, which has been the key to my academic success.
In school I have always pushed myself to do above average work because I have never had reason to believe I’m not capable of it. The idea of “reaching for the stars” was instilled in me by my parents. Of course as I’ve gotten older, my expectations for myself have had to adjust because being particularly gifted in everything is unrealistic. In cases where I’d be roaring over math homework, or grumping around the house because of a science report, my parents would just remind me that there are some things that need getting done. My parents are sensible people, and understand they have by no means raised a saint. What they do highlight for me is what I am naturally skilled at, which has given me my own understanding of success.
Besides never giving me a reason not to believe in myself, my parents created an environment at home that made learning easy. In the kitchen there is a warn country style table that is hit with the afternoon light in the most welcoming of ways. It is the perfect homework spot. There my parents provided me with answers to silly spelling questions and acted as a back board for crazy brainstorming blitzes. The essentials for wanting to study were always at home. Whether it was a snack to keep my mind sharp, or the anticipation of an incredible home cooked meal waiting for me after I finished my math problems, my parents have let me live easy. With nothing holding me back from getting my work done at home, good grades were more easily accomplished.
My parents also let me choose what to spend my time on. It was never a demand to “play soccer” or “pick up piano”, instead all of my extracurricular activities were a result of my own interests. By allowing me to choose where to spend my time, my parents taught me how to be engaged in what I do. This enthusiasm translated to what I was asked to do in the classroom. Along with passion, they taught me to speak my mind and advocate for myself. If I wanted something I would have to ask for it and make the case of why it would be good for me. This skill applied to advocating for myself in school. If I was having difficulty in a subject I would be the one e-mailing my teacher, not my parents. Instead of my parents calling my guidance councilor to make sure my courses were well balanced, I made the initiative to set a meeting up in school. My mother always says "never do for a child what they can do for themselves" and because of this, I have been given an independence that is both conscience and confident.
I have been successful in school because of my upbringing. I'm sure I was born with competence, but without my parents I would not have learned to believe in my own ability. Achievement in school takes resources, time and most importantly an understanding of what you are working towards. My parents showed me the door to all things possible, handed me a knapsack filled with tools, and let me discover what was waiting for me through the thresh hold all on my own.